<img src="http://www.sjvc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Bakersfield-SJVC-students-walk-for-Peac-One-Day-300x250.jpg" alt="Bakersfield SJVC students walk for Peac One Day" width="300" height="250" class="alignleft wp-image-13415 size-thumbnail" />Again this year, San Joaquin Valley College students, staff and faculty in <a title="Click to learn more about SJVC's Bakersfield campus." href="http://www.sjvc.edu/bakersfield" target="_blank">Bakersfield</a> will walk from the campus up and down Stockdale Highway at California Avenue beginning at 11:30 am on Tuesday, September 16th, to commemorate Peace Day. A second walk of evening students and faculty will begin their roughly 30-minute walk at 4:30 pm.

In 1999, filmmaker Jeremy Gilley launched Peace One Day to begin to establish an annual day of global ceasefire and non-violence. In 2001, just days before the September 11 terrorist attack, the United Nations adopted September 21st as the <a title="Click to go to the International Day of Peace website." href="http://www.internationaldayofpeace.org" target="_blank">International Day of Peace</a>. It is a day not only about creating peace between nations, but about supporting non-violence in our homes, schools and communities.

Peace Day provides an opportunity for groups and individuals – especially young people – to become involved in the peace process. Across the nation, across the world, people are gathering and showing support for non-violence at home and abroad.

"We have had great success coming together for a common cause," says Rochelle McEvoy, SJVC’s Coordinator of Library and Learning Resources. "Our Diversity Committee takes a leadership role in this event each year."

Peace Day walks have been organized on many of SJVC’s 13 campuses where fundraisers are conducted to benefit centers for victims of domestic violence. Student, staff and faculty participation in the Peace Day events is voluntary.

San Joaquin Valley College participants will enjoy a college-hosted meal after each of the walks, and students are encouraged to bring homemade banners and signs to bring awareness about violence and the need for peaceful coexistence.

Jeremy Gilley’s 2013 theme, <em>Who will you make peace with?</em> is about a global reduction of violence, as well as awareness and prevention of violence in our homes, communities and schools. <a title="Click to go to the Peace One Day website." href="http://www.peaceoneday.org" target="_blank">Peace One Day</a> wants to engage all sectors of society in observing September 21 through support of non-violence and global ceasefire.

Media are invited to attend San Joaquin Valley College’s event held at the Bakersfield campus located at 201 New Stine Rd. Please ask for Rochelle McEvoy upon arrival.